Nov 3, 2017

Fashion, trade show industry veteran named vice president of fashion events for WWIN

Clarion UX (formerly Urban Expositions) has named Desiree Hanson vice president of Fashion Events overseeing the Womenswear in Nevada (WWIN) portfolio. She reports to Clarion UX CEO, Greg Topalian.

In her new role, Desiree will oversee all sales, marketing and management functions for the semi-annual WWIN womenswear apparel trade show held at the Rio Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas.   She will also work closely with former WWIN Show Director Chad Timney who has moved into a consultant role with the show.

Hanson brings more than 14 years of fashion and trade show industry experience to the position.  She comes to Clarion UX from luxury research firm NPD Group, where she provided specialty retailers with market insights on business/consumer trends and market opportunities.  Prior to NPD, she held leadership positions with Reed Exhibitions, including event director for LUXURY PRIVE, the exclusive JCK Events niche jewelry trade event held during New York Jewelry Week.  Hanson also developed and managed education and special events for LUXURY and JCK Events during Las Vegas and Tucson Jewelry Weeks.

“Desiree has built her career on developing strong industry relationships and working with her team to curate custom show floor environments and create memorable experiences for event attendees and exhibitors alike,” said Topalian.  “Her strong fashion accessories industry background, combined with her keen customer insights, promise to further strengthen WWIN’s reputation as a customer service and business growth leader.”

In addition to her management roles, Hanson is very active in the jewelry/fashion accessories community, currently serving on the Executive Board of the Woman’s Jewelry Association as Vice President of Chapter Affairs, as well as Program Director for the American Gem Society Connecticut.  She is a Past President of the Women’s Jewelry Association Metropolitan Chapter and was awarded the 2014 WJA Award for Excellence in the Special Services category.

The next edition of WWIN will be held February 12-15, 2018.  Attracting womenswear retailers from throughout the United States and 29 countries, WWIN showcases more than 1500 lines from 500+ exhibitors in every womenswear category, including missy, contemporary, plus, tall and petite sizes, as well as a full range of jewelry/fashion accessories.